Bradley, John

BRADLEY, TIMBRELL, DRYDEN, HILL, AIKEN

Posted By: Gary Norris (email)
Date: 12/1/2012 at 08:22:34

A good example of the self-made man who entirely through his own efforts has worked his way upward until today he is numbered among the substantial residents of Jackson township, is John Bradley. Born on 2d of April, 1864, in Bureau county, Illinois, he is as son of George and Ann (Timbrell) Bradley, who were both born in England in the year 1831. They were reared and married, immediately after which they came to the United States, locating in Illinois in 1857. Later they came to Iowa, where the father followed the occupation of farming for a number of years, and both passed away in this state, the mother in February, 1905; and the father in April, 1908. In their family were eight children, as follows: Elizabeth, the wife of S. R. Dryden, of Cedar Falls, Iowa; Mary, now deceased; William, residing in Jackson township; John, of this review; Emma, who is engaged in teaching school in Des Moines; Alice, who married I. N. Hill, of Montana; George, of Jackson township; and Charles, who passed away in infancy. All of this number were born in Illinois with the exception of the two youngest, who were born in Iowa.
John Bradley spent the first five years of his life in the state of his nativity, and then, in 1869, came with his parents to Iowa, the family home being established in Scott township, Poweshiek county. There he was reared to manhood and owing to the limited financial circumstances of his parents he was early forced to make his own way in the business world. He recognized, however, the value of a good education in the attainment of success in any line of activity, and so attended Grinnell College and also took a business course in a business college at Burlington, Iowa. He was thereafter engaged in teaching school for four or five terms during the winter season, and for four years carried on agricultural pursuits in Pleasant township. In 1894 he embarked in the clothing business with James E. Anderson, under the firm style of Anderson & Bradley, and for twelve years they conducted a most successful enterprise. At the end of that period, in 1906, Mr. Bradley sold his interest in the concern to Mr. Anderson and, deciding to turn his energies into the channel of agriculture, purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Scott township. That remained his home for four years, then he sold out and purchased his present farm in the spring of 190. This farm, consisting of one hundred and twenty acres located on section 8, Jackson township, is a well improved property, its good state of development being due in large measure to the earnest labor and unfaltering industry of Mr. Bradley. In meeting with a most creditable degree of success and is already numbered among the prosperous and progressive agriculturists of this section.
It was in 1896 that Mr. Bradley was united in marriage to Lillian Aikin, of Mahaska county, a daughter of Dr. Aikin, and by this union have been born three children; Grace, Harry and Helen.
Mr. Bradley gives his allegiance to the republican party, and although not an office-seeker, he is serving at present as township trustee, taking a deep and active interest in the affairs of the community. He holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church of Montezuma, and for nearly twenty years has served as steward. He was also secretary of the building committee which erected the present handsome church edifice in that town. All matters bearing upon the material and moral development of the community have his consideration and indorsement, and no measure which has to do with the betterment of his community or fellowmen fails to win his aid. Since his residence in Poweshiek county he has been accorded a high place among the respected and valued citizens of this district, for he possesses those qualities which ever command respect and confidence.

History of Poweshiek County Iowa
- A Record of Settlement, Organizations, Progress and Achievement, Vol. II
written by Prof. L. F. Parker.
Published by The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., in 1911
Pages 117-118